Graduate

August 5, 2025

Workplace injuries, early opioid prescribing, and disability in Washington State

Abstract INTRODUCTION: From the late 1990s through early 2010s, opioid prescribing increased dramatically in workers’ compensation (WC) systems, following national trends within the United States. The increase in opioid prescribing coincided with an increase in overdose deaths and morbidity linked to prescription opioids. While subsequent policy interventions including Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) and updated…

The methamphetamine use continuum and associated risk factors among cisgender men and transgender people with male sex partners

Abstract The methamphetamine (meth) epidemic in the United States (US) disproportionately impacts cisgender men and transgender people who have sex with males (CMTSM). This confers a disparate burden of meth-related sequelae, including cardiovascular, cognitive, and psychiatric conditions. Among CMTSM, meth is syndemic with HIV, posing a threat to the US initiative of Ending the HIV…

Examining Mental Health and Recovery Following School Shootings

Abstract This dissertation examines the mental health impacts of school shootings in the United States, with a particular focus on the effects on subpopulations, gaps in existing research, and the importance of incorporating survivor perspectives into study design, interpretation of findings, and dissemination. Since 1999, over 380,000 students have been exposed to firearm violence while…

Understanding the Relationship between Child Maltreatment, Religiosity, and Adult-onset Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among Participants in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS)

Abstract This dissertation explores the interrelationships among child maltreatment (CM), religiosity, and adult-onset depressive and anxiety disorders using data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). It addresses whether parental religiosity is associated with CM and differs by gender, the influence of CM on adult religiosity and its gender dependence, and the association between…

Abortion Restrictions and Violence Against Women and Girls 15-44 in Missouri, 2012-2023

Abstract Abortion restrictions in the United States continue to threaten the health equity and bodily autonomy of those who can become pregnant, increasing risk for violent victimization. Research is needed to understand how abortion restrictions contribute to the normalization of violence against women and girls. This study used multiple interrupted time series analyses to examine…

Associations of Depression with Opioid Use Among Pregnant Individuals, and Rural-Urban Differences in the Relationships: An Analysis of PRAMS Data

Abstract Background: Depression during pregnancy affects approximately 15–20% of pregnancies and is associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes, including increased risk for preterm birth and inadequate prenatal care. It is also linked to adverse health behaviors, including opioid use. While research has documented associations of depression with opioid use during pregnancy, limited work has…

Physical Activity Patterns and Kidney Function Changes Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: An Analysis from the HCHS/SOL Cohort

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) may be a modifiable factor for CKD prevention, but evidence specific to Hispanic/Latino populations is limited. Objective: To examine the association between PA patterns and longitudinal changes in kidney function among Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a prospective cohort…

Investigating the interaction of diet quality on the association between air pollution exposure and diabetes incidence in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos

Abstract Background Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Hispanic and Latino groups have a disproportionately high prevalence of diagnosed T2D cases among ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Dietary patterns that feature the consumption of processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to development…

The Impact of Air Pollution Exposure in Early Childhood on the Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Preschool-Aged Children

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in children influenced by genetic and environmental factors, potentially including air pollution. While research has linked air pollution to the development of allergic diseases, such as asthma, few studies have examined AD, and none of these have been based in the United States. Understanding the…

Association of timing of childhood maltreatment with alcohol use disorder in adulthood and potential mediation of the association by stress regulation.

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